Don’t be fooled by these 5 GMAT myths

There are a lot of rumors about the GMAT going around and most of them aren’t true. I explain why these common GMAT myths are false.

1) The first 7-10 questions are the most important

A lot of people think that because the test is computer adaptive, the first 7-10 questions are the most important questions to answer. This is categorically untrue. Don’t make the mistake of wasting too much time on these questions to the detriment of the rest of the test.

2) The higher your accuracy level, the better your score

Because the test is computer adaptive, your accuracy level does not solely determine your score. The difficulty level of the questions you answer correctly is also extremely important. Two people with the same accuracy level could have vastly different score. That is why, if you want an accurate prediction of your score you have to take a computer adaptive practice test. Accuracy levels on paper practice quizzes and tests will not do so as well.

3) You can reach your goal score by just going over practice problems

Practice problems are an important part of the puzzle, but not the only piece. First of all, simply doing practice problems will not help your score improve, unless you spend an equal amount of time going over the answers. Furthermore, successful study plans also need:

An initial needs assessment

content learning through a course or book set

time to build mental endurance through full-length practice problems

time set in for breaks

4) You never took math in college, so you won’t do well

The math on the GMAT isn’t very high level at all. In fact, its what you learned in the early years of high school. Most people who are taking the GMAT haven’t studied that type of math for a while, so most people are all in the same boat. The math rules that people have to learn are fairly basic, but you have to learn to use them in creative ways to get through problems quickly.

5) Both quant and verbal influence your score the same

The verbal and quant scores are also weighed a bit differently for the overall score, because it is based on your percentile. For example, a verbal score of 41 is the 91st percentile, while a quant score of the same number is only the 49th percentile. Therefore a higher raw verbal score will put you closer to a higher overall percentile than a higher raw quant score.

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Meet the Author

Eliza Chute

I was always just an average student, but with the right course prep I was able to score a 770 on my first try. I had to wade through a lot of material to find what was right for me, but luckily for you I've done all the research for you! See more on my GMAT courses page.